Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 5, before section 6, to insert the following new section:

"5.—Where the District Court for a particular district is exercising a discretion concerning the grant of a licence permitting the consumption of intoxicating liquor on particular premises, the Court shall exercise its discretion in such a way as to avoid the closing of a significant number of premises in a particular locality at the same time on the same day or days.".

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that all nightclubs do not disgorge their customers onto the streets at the same time. Many Members have received e-mails from the industry pointing out the worrying consequences of such an action. People will be queuing for taxis and possibly arguing over them. I am unsure whether the Minister of State has ever been at the top of a taxi queue when people, who perhaps have consumed too much alcohol, come along and claim to need to get home quicker. It is a recipe for disaster. The potential for trouble as a result of putting everyone out onto the streets cannot be ignored. As Members have received warnings from the industry on the consequences of this clause, I have tabled this amendment to allow the District Court some flexibility on the issue in order that licences may be obtained whereby people can leave at different stages.